The information requested by the research protocol from each participating country included the following four components:

a. Quantitative data and desk research provide a picture of the phenomenon, particularly with regard to the legislative framework for separated children, including the key definitions adopted and the practices, policies and procedures for their placement and care, with particular reference to all the practices and procedures which have an impact on the children’s level of protection (e.g. age assessment, detention, needs assessment, access to education, health care, vocational training, etc.). In addition, the researchers were invited to discuss and compare available “official” data against data from other national and international sources, in order to analyze the capacity of inclusion of the system together with the reliability of the data collection system.

b. Definition and description of the Guardianship system, with a focus on the legislative framework, policies and procedures concerning the national guardianship system, including information on the training of guardians, their work methodology and competences on trafficking. Particular attention was paid to the definition of guardianship adopted, if any, to its compliance with the human rights legislation, its inclusiveness and effectiveness in protecting and supporting children.

c. Analysis of Protection gaps and risks. This part pays particular attention to the most critical protection gaps and risks separated children are exposed to in each country. It included quantitative and qualitative information on trafficking and exploitation in each country.

d. List of actions/reforms to be undertaken. This part concerned the discussion of the main reforms and/or actions (policy reform, new legislation, training courses etc., etc.) which are reported to be necessary for the enhancement of the level of protection of separated children